ACUTE LEUKEMIAS
This is a type of malignant neoplastic diseases that have a rapid onset characterized by fast appearing symptoms with quick progress of illness. There are two types of acute leukemias; acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They have similarities in symptoms that may include:
- Symptoms of anemia -like tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath on exertion
- Repeated infection
- Bruising and bleeding easily
- Lymph node enlargement
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
Investigations
The definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of a peripheral blood film and a bone marrow aspirate.
Other tests that may be done include
- Cytogenetic(chromosome) analysis
- Immunophenotyping of leukemic blast cells
If the patient has fevers, blood cultures and chest x-rays are essential.
Findings
- Blood count shows a low hemoglobin (HB) and a raised white cell count (may sometimes be decreased or just normal). the platelet count is low
- Peripheral blood film shows characteristic leukemic blast cells
- Bone marrow aspirate shows increased cellularity with abnormal lymphoid or myeloid blast cells.
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